INTERNET addiction

I got on line to avoid my paperwork, billing to be precise.
sigh
bizi

I took one day off from my computer this week. It was kind of freeing.

I still have billing to do..... who has been on here for hours today.
sigh
bizi

Oh my gosh, I’ve got this problem.

Even though I was tired, sick, and have had a headache the last two days, I’ve been constantly on the internet. Today I’ve barely cared to eat even, and eating is usually important.

I love forums and Facebook. It is getting worse lately.
I’m going to admit this to my new therapist tomorrow.

how did it go with your therapist?
bizi

Bizi—thanks for asking. I forgot to come back here. My meds make me an air head.

She didn’t react at all to the internet problem. So I tried explaining it again, and she then said it was good that I am distracting myself from my anxiety!!

I think I didn’t quite explain it well enough. I’ll try again next week.

She gave me some DBT exercises, but I only picked things she knows. I don’t like to do. I bought DBT books to look at, and I’m listening to videos.

She told me to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Instead of my boss hates me (she’s been criticizing me), I’m to think my boss is trying to help me.

I had to interrupt her interviewing me to ask for helpful tips. Last time she interviewed me the whole time, then only told me to deep breathe.

My last therapist was the same way—making me talk almost the whole time and then I get little help.

How are you doing, Bizi?

I think I'm overdoing it here on PC to distract myself from next week's surgery. I've just been on here an awful lot the past few days! I unintentionally went about six months without logging in here not too long ago - no reason. Given my addictive personality, overdoing anything sets-off my radar.

Emgreen—sorry to hear. Tells us about it if you want.

I’ve been overdoing it here. I just don’t want to think about anything.

hi key tones, have not been to these particular forums in a while.
I am drinking an IPA and have been on the internet too long.
how does one get support from the forums on line with an internet addiction?????
bizi

I don’t know yet, Bizi. My therapist doesn’t think it’s a problem. I told her I’m doing this online stuff to relieve anxiety.

I’ve managed to reduce the anxiety with meds and DBT, and yet here I am.

I really like being able to talk. I think that’s part of it.

I’m just getting into DBT. I’ll post if I see anything that helps.

I have an off and on Internet addiction. When it comes too much, I just stop using the computer for awhile. But now, the internet is saving me from loneliness. I don't know but it feels strange knowing I have an Internet addiction yet not feel as if it is a problem to help me feel less lonely. Does this make sense?

8 weeks ago I started to take zyprexa small dose in addition to all of my other meds.
It gave me the stability to finally not drink like a crazy woman.
I have had 55 alcohol free days with one drinking day in the middle of that time. I have not had that much control over my drinking in years!
I am also taking naltrexone 50 mg daily for the past 3 months which may have finally kicked in. I still think it was the addition of the zyprexa that did it.
I would encourage you to explore your meds and see if you can get more stable if that would help with your addictions? I think ithas helped in my internet addiction too.
bizi
I have also controlled my picking and over eating and have lost 15 pounds in 9 weeks. So am happy overall how things are going.

Wow, Bizi, those are seriously amazing results!!

I have heard of naltrexone. I think Dr. Atkins prescribed it. I will look into this,

In my case, I’m nervous/anxious. I have taken zyprexa, but it makes me eat until my stomach feels like it is going to burst, and I still want more.

Thank you so much for posting your results and med assist info.

I am so happy for you!!

I am totally immersed in the internet. It is beyond ridiculous. I am stuck to it and just can't get out. Click here! Click there!

And then it just fuels my mania so I spin and spin some more.

God help me.

Count me in! I've lessened FB use quite a bit, but because I've been substituting it with These types of forums. I have another regular one, but i was looking for a bit more specific support. Still kinda looking around for that, but this is a fun distraction. I know, feeding to my addiction, but at least I'm here and checkin g up on helpful stuff at the same time. I like forums. FB is a real stress to keep up with!

I know this is an old post, but do you mind explaining your hypomania? Computer time has affected me in ways too, but I'm still not sure, or my therapist isn't convinced I have hypomanic tendencies. Well, I mean, I am relatively careful with money, and will have to be more so if we will be out of work here, but when I'm on Amazon, I'm always just buying one more extra thing. It is useful or stuff I want though...but this internet addiction has excited me in the past because of its super good feelings (talking with people/good conversations) that have caused me trouble both with those people as well as neglecting my home and other responsibilties. Anyway, just curious if i share any traits to maybe discuss with my therapist. Thanks!

Hope it's not rude to ask, but I also didn't want to leave you out of my question since you also brought it up. Can you explain a bit how it fuels and what your mania comprises of? I really don't mean to be rude or anything. I'm just trying to understand this and my own self. Thanks!

They just started an internet thread in the addictions forum...below this as this is a sub forum so you may want to post there too.

When my bipolar was really off I was compulsively drinking alcohol.
I was secretive and would guzzel my beers, hid them from hubby. drink on the way home. over eat, gained 45 pounds in 2 years.
I have been out of control.
you can see in my signature line the medications I take. zyprexa is a new one for me and it has changed my life.
I feel back in control again. I am not some crazed addict. I have control over my eating for the most part.
have lost 13 pounds in 9 weeks.
Have only drank twice in 2 months.

I have said that I have an addictive personality.
alcohol, internet, food, picking.
With zyprexa I have much better control in all areas of my life.
I am still on the internet too much.
like I should be in bed now with hubby reading...but it is more rewarding being on line than in bed.
I call it mental masterbation.
welcome to the forums. ask me anything.
bizi
55 year old female married, no kids, 2 cats.

well, my Dad says I should take a break from FB. haha, he says outrageous things sometimes, overly worries or something, but i think this is a good idea. As much as I'd like to chat up with some folks there, I think I need to slow it down and focus on things to improve my health and situation right now, and that's places like here!

this sounds like a good idea.
We have to monitor ourselves here too. as this is a support forum for people with internet obsessions.
bizi

meh, well, I didn't really keep to the FB thing, although I have set limits for myself. I try not to get on the screen past a certain hour of the night or if i do, I try not to be on too long. (few minutes as opposed to few hours) And I go on, do what I need to do and log back off and only check like once a day but have some email forwards, so I can see the critical stuff sooner. Most of my groups and friends' timelines, I only check a few times a week, some I haven't checked in weeks!

So, I don't believe I'm in an addictive phase these days, and sometimes it actually helps me to keep in touch. But I am kindof a forum/internet sites junkie, meaning I signed up and regularly check quite a few, so I do have to watch that and limit my time, or alternate days. I like lingering on certain sites for a day or two to help with my memory and making connections. Otherwise, I just feel lonely and bored and depressed with it all.

just sharing, I guess.

I'm almost completely free of FACEBOOK. I only check my private emails there now and my alerts by just a couple of folks (Family).

You two are doing well!
bizi

I am addicted to this forum, lol. I am debating about asking that my account be deleted.

forwhatits worth,
I wonder about all of the forums i post on , and face book etc.
you are not alone.
bizi